Electronica/Dance

[Helsbels]

15 hours ago, danbailey80 said:

Completely agree. Glade was the last place they had any Prog/ Trance type acts. Which is what those trees/ areas are ideal for. I prob wouldn't go watch a psy trance act (other stuff yes) but this is the home of it all. The whole vibe in that area is basically a trance festival. WTF? 

 

It used to be stacked with your usual Prog masters (Sasha, Digweed) and then some lesser known trance stuff. 

 

I honestly don't know what the f**k is going on. There now is nowhere playing anything vaguely Prog/ trance/ Anjunabeats/ Anjuna Deep type acts. It's completely bizarre considering the scale of that industry and also considering Glastonbury is by far the most trancey/ prog/ hippy of vibes out of the main festivals. 

I usually spend loads of time in the Glade due to all the prog and got mates that like their psytrance. This year is going to be a very different festival for me as not got any must see acts either in terms of bands or DJs just a lot of 'wouldn't mind seeing'. On the plus side I'll get to bimble about a lot more and hopefully stumble across things I wouldn't usually. I'm sure it will still be the best place on the planet.

Waiting now to see what Silver Hayes comes up with. Last year Ki/Ki at The Levels was one of my favourite festival moments. 

[Ninety9]

16 hours ago, bennyhana22 said:

Now you know that I'm not a negative Nora, but I've been through the entire Glade Dome line-up and it would appear that Glastonbury no longer wants to have any psytrance at the festival 😭. Originally on the Thursday night in Glade Lounge, and more recently Sunday night in the Dome, it is one of the things I look forward to the most. The crowds are invariably fantastic, as everyone has made a purposeful beeline to that specific genre.

 

I'm a little bit sad, team. There appears to be masses of DnB on the Glade Dome line-up, and isn't it represented in spades elsewhere around the festival? I really feel that there are genres that are neglected in a festival of this size. Of course, it will come down to popularity amongst the masses, I'm sure, but still...

Anyway, I won't sulk (I might for a little bit, but then I'll be ok!). For me, only really The Orb, Avery and Effy calling to me right now, but I'll do my customary obsessive homework and we'll see! Block9, I really need you to come through this year 🤪.

 

Ben

Put a similar comment on the Glade thread but this might be a better place to have this discussion

 

The psytrance/proggy sound is definitely having a revivial in the underground here, in Europe and Australia and it'll start showing through in the mainstream I'm sure in a couple of years. Even excepting this, it would be nice to have a variety of sounds and the chance to see some classic DJs in a great environment.

 

It just feels (to my snobby self) Glastonbury isn't at the vanguard of what is happening in the scene right now but representing genres that had it's time - hence the overrepresentation of DnB artists across the whole festival. Or we have ultra-safe bookings like Peggy and Camelphat etc.

 

Happy to take any recommendations however and trying to stay positive here

[Claire0406]

Ahhh I know, dnb has got even bigger in the last year, it’s definitely more noticeably in the mainstream music scene now more than ever before, so I wouldn’t say it’s had its time, those stages will no doubt be packed at those times, but I do agree that they need to cater for everyone and would be nice to see that come through but maybe it will in some of the other areas yet 

[bennyhana22]

18 minutes ago, Claire0406 said:

Ahhh I know, dnb has got even bigger in the last year, it’s definitely more noticeably in the mainstream music scene now more than ever before, so I wouldn’t say it’s had its time, those stages will no doubt be packed at those times, but I do agree that they need to cater for everyone and would be nice to see that come through but maybe it will in some of the other areas yet 

Could it be that after all this time, the Unfairground finally comes through for me? 😂

 

Ben

[nikkic]

I did an excel spreadsheet for Silver Hayes last year with SoundCloud and YouTube sets.

 

I know there were a few other spreadsheets kicking about. 
 

I won’t have time to take the full task on this year, but wondering if we could make a collective effort? 
 

 

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

2 hours ago, Ninety9 said:

Put a similar comment on the Glade thread but this might be a better place to have this discussion

 

The psytrance/proggy sound is definitely having a revivial in the underground here, in Europe and Australia and it'll start showing through in the mainstream I'm sure in a couple of years. Even excepting this, it would be nice to have a variety of sounds and the chance to see some classic DJs in a great environment.

 

It just feels (to my snobby self) Glastonbury isn't at the vanguard of what is happening in the scene right now but representing genres that had it's time - hence the overrepresentation of DnB artists across the whole festival. Or we have ultra-safe bookings like Peggy and Camelphat etc.

 

Happy to take any recommendations however and trying to stay positive here

 

Drum & Bass and all it's sub-genres has enjoyed a steady following since 1994 with commercial peaks here and there but the more accessible hip-hop/grime-influenced, heavy-drops-every-two-minutes sound has certainly seen the genre enjoy a renaissance of sorts. It's hugely popular with the younger audience, thanks to crossover success of tunes from the likes of Chase & Status (themselves possibly enjoying almost a second lease of life), Bou, Hedex, etc. So, to say it's had its day isn't exactly accurate right now as you could suggest it's more commercially popular than ever, but in terms of the peak of  "pure" or "intelligent" form of DnB, I'd agree, that's probably past us. 

 

Wrongly or rightly, I always used to view Glastonbury as the festival where all genres were well-represented but certainly within the last decade, it does appear to cater more for the masses, so to speak, and it's absolutely weighted towards the arguably more accessible tech house and jump-up DnB. That's understandable to a certain degree, and although this thread (like most of the others on here) isn't necessarily the barometer for what's relevant or popular, the organisers seldom get it wrong, generally. They have to keep the masses coming back and acts like Camelphat, Peggy Gou, Calvin Harris ensure that. In a way, I'm glad they don't have an unlimited budget, otherwise we might see a lot more commercially-driven artists infiltrate the festival, which would be fantastic for the casuals but less appealing for the heads. 

 

The responsibility lies with the organisers of each area, rather than GFL. They themselves need to ensure their stages remain relevant and well-attended. If they can fill a slot with a "safer", popular artist that's happy to play (often for a reduced fee), they're going to book them. Unfortunately, that might be at the expense of a more critically acclaimed act or dare I say it, less popular sub-genre. I'd much prefer to see the Glade stick more to the roots that once made it the best area at the festival, but I fear they're just catering to what's currently in demand. This is why IICON is so important for the festival. No compromise on its booking policy. A nice mix of the established (if not household names) and the avant garde. There's rumours of Bicep playing on that stage this year. I'd say even that is a slight loosening on their usual music policy, unless they play a deeper, more esoteric set.

 

Keep the faith everyone, there's still lots to come, but I do expect to see much more of the same. And let's be honest, either way we're still going to have a ball. Explore, bimble, wander, I guarantee you'll stumble across something you'll love in the place you least expect it.

 

[gfa]

People are right on Glade, its certainly much more filled with commercial acts this year. If it makes the SEC noticeably more manageable then i don't mind much - but feel sorry for the psytrance crowd etc

[bennyhana22]

On 4/23/2024 at 1:36 PM, Supernintendo Chalmers said:

 

Drum & Bass and all it's sub-genres has enjoyed a steady following since 1994 with commercial peaks here and there but the more accessible hip-hop/grime-influenced, heavy-drops-every-two-minutes sound has certainly seen the genre enjoy a renaissance of sorts. It's hugely popular with the younger audience, thanks to crossover success of tunes from the likes of Chase & Status (themselves possibly enjoying almost a second lease of life), Bou, Hedex, etc. So, to say it's had its day isn't exactly accurate right now as you could suggest it's more commercially popular than ever, but in terms of the peak of  "pure" or "intelligent" form of DnB, I'd agree, that's probably past us. 

 

Wrongly or rightly, I always used to view Glastonbury as the festival where all genres were well-represented but certainly within the last decade, it does appear to cater more for the masses, so to speak, and it's absolutely weighted towards the arguably more accessible tech house and jump-up DnB. That's understandable to a certain degree, and although this thread (like most of the others on here) isn't necessarily the barometer for what's relevant or popular, the organisers seldom get it wrong, generally. They have to keep the masses coming back and acts like Camelphat, Peggy Gou, Calvin Harris ensure that. In a way, I'm glad they don't have an unlimited budget, otherwise we might see a lot more commercially-driven artists infiltrate the festival, which would be fantastic for the casuals but less appealing for the heads. 

 

The responsibility lies with the organisers of each area, rather than GFL. They themselves need to ensure their stages remain relevant and well-attended. If they can fill a slot with a "safer", popular artist that's happy to play (often for a reduced fee), they're going to book them. Unfortunately, that might be at the expense of a more critically acclaimed act or dare I say it, less popular sub-genre. I'd much prefer to see the Glade stick more to the roots that once made it the best area at the festival, but I fear they're just catering to what's currently in demand. This is why IICON is so important for the festival. No compromise on its booking policy. A nice mix of the established (if not household names) and the avant garde. There's rumours of Bicep playing on that stage this year. I'd say even that is a slight loosening on their usual music policy, unless they play a deeper, more esoteric set.

 

Keep the faith everyone, there's still lots to come, but I do expect to see much more of the same. And let's be honest, either way we're still going to have a ball. Explore, bimble, wander, I guarantee you'll stumble across something you'll love in the place you least expect it.

 

 

I was going to post similar thoughts, but you've been far too articulate, so I'll keep it brief!

 

Many/most of us in this thread are very invested in the scene and dance music is in our souls. Glastonbury isn't a dance festival, but  it is the world's biggest greenfields festival. As such, the opportunity for any of the areas to remain niche or different becomes more challenged year on year. The explosion in festival popularity in the past 15-20 years has inevitably resulted in curators gravitating towards more 'accessible' or well-known acts who, by their very nature, tend to be less 'interesting' to some of us in here. It just seems a shame that The Glade really didn't feel able to continue to book literally 2 or 3 DJs (psytrance) who offer a genre heard nowhere else on site. It's hardly compromising their ability to get good crowds for their acts...and those evenings were really well attended too!

 

I'd say that, dance-wise, it's only really Block9 that conspicuously demonstrate an identifiable ethos in their bookings, though Silver Hayes' rebirth has been very exciting too. It's all good and, as others have said, will likely spread people around a bit more, allowing for more space to dance for everyone. Which is what we're all there for.

 

Can't wait for those dance area drops now.

 

Ben
x

Edited April 24 by bennyhana22

[Ninety9]

1 hour ago, Supernintendo Chalmers said:

 

Drum & Bass and all it's sub-genres has enjoyed a steady following since 1994 with commercial peaks here and there but the more accessible hip-hop/grime-influenced, heavy-drops-every-two-minutes sound has certainly seen the genre enjoy a renaissance of sorts. It's hugely popular with the younger audience, thanks to crossover success of tunes from the likes of Chase & Status (themselves possibly enjoying almost a second lease of life), Bou, Hedex, etc. So, to say it's had its day isn't exactly accurate right now as you could suggest it's more commercially popular than ever, but in terms of the peak of  "pure" or "intelligent" form of DnB, I'd agree, that's probably past us. 

 

Wrongly or rightly, I always used to view Glastonbury as the festival where all genres were well-represented but certainly within the last decade, it does appear to cater more for the masses, so to speak, and it's absolutely weighted towards the arguably more accessible tech house and jump-up DnB. That's understandable to a certain degree, and although this thread (like most of the others on here) isn't necessarily the barometer for what's relevant or popular, the organisers seldom get it wrong, generally. They have to keep the masses coming back and acts like Camelphat, Peggy Gou, Calvin Harris ensure that. In a way, I'm glad they don't have an unlimited budget, otherwise we might see a lot more commercially-driven artists infiltrate the festival, which would be fantastic for the casuals but less appealing for the heads. 

 

The responsibility lies with the organisers of each area, rather than GFL. They themselves need to ensure their stages remain relevant and well-attended. If they can fill a slot with a "safer", popular artist that's happy to play (often for a reduced fee), they're going to book them. Unfortunately, that might be at the expense of a more critically acclaimed act or dare I say it, less popular sub-genre. I'd much prefer to see the Glade stick more to the roots that once made it the best area at the festival, but I fear they're just catering to what's currently in demand. This is why IICON is so important for the festival. No compromise on its booking policy. A nice mix of the established (if not household names) and the avant garde. There's rumours of Bicep playing on that stage this year. I'd say even that is a slight loosening on their usual music policy, unless they play a deeper, more esoteric set.

 

Keep the faith everyone, there's still lots to come, but I do expect to see much more of the same. And let's be honest, either way we're still going to have a ball. Explore, bimble, wander, I guarantee you'll stumble across something you'll love in the place you least expect it.

 

Wise words overall

 

The comment on "had it's day" is purely from an underground perspective - DnB is now firmly in the mainstream

 

I think the fear, as evidenced so far is that the areas are chasing the latest trending sound at the moment rather than being leaders (rather than followers) and catering to the eclectic genres that are available.

 

Else what will happen - assuming DnB becomes overexposed and goes back to being a more niche genre (as is the circle of life for Electronic genres) is in 3-4 years time, the type of artists playing at Glade will be completely different due to this chasing.

 

I'm still feeling postive overall, I just haven't been wowed by the lineup so far (again from a purely selfish perspective).

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

3 minutes ago, bennyhana22 said:

 

I was going to post similar thoughts, but you've been far too articulate, so I'll keep it brief!

 

Many/most of us in this thread are very invested in the scene and dance music is in our souls. Glastonbury isn't a dance festival, but  it is the world's biggest greenfields festival. As such, the opportunity for any of the areas to remain niche or different becomes more challenged year on year. The explosion in festival popularity in the past 15-20 years has inevitably resulted in curators gravitating towards more 'accessible' or well-known acts who, by their very nature, tend to be less 'interesting' to some of us in here. It just seems a shame that The Glade really didn't feel able to continue to book literally 2 or 3 DJs (psytrance) who offer a genre heard nowhere else on site. It's hardly compromising their ability to get good crowds for their acts...and those evenings were really well attended too!

 

I'd say that, dance-wise, it's only really Block9 that conspicuously demonstrate an identifiable ethos in their bookings, though Silver Hayes' rebirth has been very exciting too. It's all good and, as others have said, will likely spread people around a bit more, allowing for more space to dance for everyone. Which is what we're all there for.

 

Can't wait for those there dance area drops now.

 

Ben
x

 

I would add, that the very spirit of the Glade and arguably even more so now in the Glade Dome aesthetically, with its colourful "webbed" canopies that let rays of sunlight through in the day time and offers an intimate night time experience amongst the strobes and lasers, lends itself perfectly to that psytrance vibe. I agree it's a puzzler, despite my points above. Yeah, I hope you do find another area that houses some acts from the psytrance genre, but if anywhere was already purpose built for it, it's the Glade Dome.

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

4 minutes ago, Ninety9 said:

I think the fear, as evidenced so far is that the areas are chasing the latest trending sound at the moment rather than being leaders (rather than followers) and catering to the eclectic genres that are available.

 

I'm still feeling postive overall, I just haven't been wowed by the lineup so far (again from a purely selfish perspective).

 

Really well put. 

 

Incidentally, who would you like to see added?

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

 

I mean, look at it!

[Claire0406]

2 minutes ago, Supernintendo Chalmers said:

 

I mean, look at it!

Agreed 

[bennyhana22]

3 minutes ago, Supernintendo Chalmers said:

 

I mean, look at it!

 

Oh Man! How can they NOT have psy-based stuff there? It's literally made for it!!

 

9 weeks tomorrow!!

 

Ben

[danbailey80]

I'd suggest that we leave polite, articulate thoughts on their social media. I'm sure they read and take these thoughts on board. 

 

 

 

[bennyhana22]

8 minutes ago, danbailey80 said:

I'd suggest that we leave polite, articulate thoughts on their social media. I'm sure they read and take these thoughts on board. 

 

 

 

 

Will do.

 

Ben

[Derhammer]

I need the educated minds of the forum to highlight acts for me to see this year.

I'm generally have  guitar centered tastes but my mind was blown by the Hospital sets on saturday last year to the extent that i've questioned all my life choices thus far!

 

Who are the D&B acts I NEED to see this year from those already announced or anything else you would recommend to expand my mind?

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

34 minutes ago, Derhammer said:

I need the educated minds of the forum to highlight acts for me to see this year.

I'm generally have  guitar centered tastes but my mind was blown by the Hospital sets on saturday last year to the extent that i've questioned all my life choices thus far!

 

Who are the D&B acts I NEED to see this year from those already announced or anything else you would recommend to expand my mind?

 

So far:

 

LTJ Bukem. Been around for over 30 years, one of the pioneers of the intelligent/liquid sound.

 

Randall. Jungle royalty. Widely considered one of the greats among his peers.

 

DJ Rap. Another original junglist and still probably the best female DJ/producer in DnB.

 

Friction. Owner of Shogun Audio, responsible for some huge remixes as well as his own tracks. Also recognisable from his Radio One DnB show.

 

If you like jump-up, you've got K-Motionz, Turno, AMC, Phantom. All of which have absolutely massive tunes.

 

There will be more...

[Derhammer]

5 minutes ago, Supernintendo Chalmers said:

 

So far:

 

LTJ Bukem. Been around for over 30 years, one of the pioneers of the intelligent/liquid sound.

 

Randall. Jungle royalty. Widely considered one of the greats among his peers.

 

DJ Rap. Another original junglist and still probably the best female DJ/producer in DnB.

 

Friction. Owner of Shogun Audio, responsible for some huge remixes as well as his own tracks. Also recognisable from his Radio One DnB show.

 

If you like jump-up, you've got K-Motionz, Turno, AMC, Phantom. All of which have absolutely massive tunes.

 

There will be more...

Keep me posted !!

[Johnnyseven]

1 hour ago, Supernintendo Chalmers said:

 

So far:

 

LTJ Bukem

 

I was very happy to see Bukem on the Glade lineup this year, hopefully a late night set. Missed him last year due to being too tired after an Oxfam shift.

[Madyaker]

4 hours ago, Supernintendo Chalmers said:

 

I mean, look at it!

It looks like one of the stages from the bonkers psy trance festival in Portugal, can't remember it's name.

 

Bukem is on my list as well, missed him last  year.

[Joey Peeps]

4 hours ago, Supernintendo Chalmers said:

 

I mean, look at it!

 

Is this the new Glade Stage? Where is it exactly? I haven't been since they changed it. Was disappointed to hear the old one was no more but that looks amazing. 

[bennyhana22]

3 minutes ago, Joey Peeps said:

 

Is this the new Glade Stage? Where is it exactly? I haven't been since they changed it. Was disappointed to hear the old one was no more but that looks amazing. 

No, that's the Glade Dome, which is more or less where the old Glade was. The new Glade stage is huge and is the other side of the walkway that comes down from the old railway line, in the space where the Glade Lounge and Spaceport used to be. 

The Glade Dome is terrific. Very much the feel of the old Glade, with its customary excellent sound system. 

Ben

[Joey Peeps]

7 minutes ago, bennyhana22 said:

No, that's the Glade Dome, which is more or less where the old Glade was. The new Glade stage is huge and is the other side of the walkway that comes down from the old railway line, in the space where the Glade Lounge and Spaceport used to be. 

The Glade Dome is terrific. Very much the feel of the old Glade, with its customary excellent sound system. 

Ben

 

Excellent, I'll be spending a lot of time there. 

[Madyaker]

I for one am sad that there's no Partiboi69 on the lineup yet, his set in Shangri La in 2022 was one of the craziest things I've witnessed